Rochester Code of Ordinances 9-2 states, in part:

An excavation permit is required by any person wishing to excavate that part of the public right-of-way described in such permit and to hinder free and open passage over the specified portion of the public right-of-way by placing facilities described therein, to the extent and for the duration specified therein.

Prior to obtaining a permit the proposed work must be reviewed and approved. Use the permit applications below to begin the process.

Right-of-way permit forms for service connections, sidewalks, and small diameter utility work:

• Service Connection Permit Application Form
• Sidewalk Construction Permit Application Form
• General Utility Permit Application Form
• Gopher State One Call Locate Request - Notice
• Minnesota State Law Chapter 216D - 216D.03 to 216D.07
• Fee structure for permits and inspections 

Contractors can call, fax, or email requests for excavation permits.

Water, Sanitary Sewer and Storm Sewer Service Connections 

• City License is required. Please contact the City Clerk's office for requirements
• Service connection work requires a plan submitted for review with permit application
• Public Works specifications for connections: Service Connection Specifications C150
• Inspection times: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Sidewalks, Driveway Approaches, Pedestrian Ramps, Boulevard Regrading, Concrete Roadway Patches & Asphalt Roadway Patches

• City License is required. Please contact the City Clerk's office for requirements.
• Driveway approaches can not be over 32' for commercial or residential unless approved by the City Engineer.
• Driveway approach can only be as wide as the garage structure.
• Changes to a current driveway approach must have a drawing submitted for review with permit application.
• Public Works specifications for sidewalks: Sidewalk Specifications C700.
• Inspection times: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Cable, Phone, Electrical, Fiber Optics and Gas Service Utilities

• All small diameter utility permits require a plan on aerial imagery submitted for review with permit application.
• When utility work is planned that includes aerial placement such as cable, wire or equipment (not underground), the proposed work must be reviewed and approved by Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) prior to obtaining a permit.
• Click here for Right of Way Permit General Conditions

To help with customer service, we implemented an electronic way to receive information without a signature needed for our current permit requests.

Authorized Permit Requesters Form 

Tracked within the permit:

1. Permit requested by (this will be the person that requests the permit via e-mail, phone, fax or in person)
2. How was permit requested (fax, e-mail, phone, in person)
3. Permit request date (this is the date the permit was requested)
4. Person authorizing permit (this is the employee that received the information and created the permit)

All data received via email, fax or in person will be scanned and saved in a file for permit requests for data practice laws.

The form must be completed, notarized and emailed, delivered in person or mailed to:

DSIC
4001 West River Parkway NW
Suite 100
Rochester, MN 55901